A must for parents shopping bride
6/11/2014
Produced and directed by
Sarovar Banka A Decent Arrangement is a contemporary comedic drama that
explores the complexities of ethnic identity and the choices brought about by
the shrinking globe. Ashok Khosla/ Adam Laupus is an aimless Indian-American
copywriter, who travels to India seeking an arranged marriage and with it an
opportunity for emotional simplicity.
What works in favour of the film are
the location/Chandigarh and the refreshing characters. Ashok’s cousin Preeti/
Shabana Azmi, his parents Gita and Arun/ Navneet Nisshan and Vikram Kapadia,
the prospective brides and their parents. What does not is that we have seen
too many films on the subject of the cultural divide and India used as a
metaphor to soul search.
Ashok feels connected with Amita, an
Indian woman burdened by a sense of tradition. Ninety seven minute long A
Decent Agreement is a film about arranged marriages, the fears and the
formalities associated with the custom. As an impending engagement to Amita
approaches, Ashok’s parents arrive to cement the deal, setting off events that
force Ashok to finally seek his own resolution.
Shabana Azmi as the overbearing
cousin Preeti Mehta is refreshing and drives the story. Navneet Nissan as
Ashok’s anxious mother touches a chord. Writer/ director Sarovar Banka raises
relevant issues packs in witty dialogues but shoots the film like a tourist.
A Decent Arrangement is slow paced but a decent watch
with family.
Bhawana Somaaya/ @bhawanasomaaya
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